RHODES: A piece of stoneware sold at least 150 years ago in Chatham

On several occasions my friend, Carlie Creed, has helped me with information regarding stoneware crocks of which local relics, on rarities, emerge.

It is her passion and I respect it.

I think hers to be a wonderful hobby and an outstanding manner in which to preserve local history.

I’d be most happy to be a collector myself, but the prices frighten me. I will explain my fear a bit later on in the story.

Carlie recently contacted me regarding a large crock from the mid portion of the 1800s with a local and well-known name debossed into the surface just below the neck which reads: W NORTHWOOD & CO GENERAL DEALERS CORNER OF KING & WILLIAM STS CHATHAM.

The Northwood name was once very common in Chatham-Kent. This particular man was William Northwood, who was born at Mayo, Westport County, Ireland on Dec. 31, 1816.

I am not sure as to when Mr.........

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